I shared this on my instagram but then my daughter suggested I share it here..thank you thank you…read morethank you God for loving me so. Quite some time ago, Sandals had a guest pastor visiting from Hawaii. Pastor Wayne shared a message that coincided with his book, Divine Mentor, and I remember leaving that day feeling incredibly blessed. Then, during a trip to Hawaii in 2022, I wanted to attend New Hope Church in Oahu. I drove all the way there... and then drove right past it because I was too scared to walk in alone. This year, I've been praying for courage. I've been asking God to help me do the things that stretch me, the things I don't always feel confident enough to do. Today, I finally walked through the doors of New Hope. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with so much kindness. They placed a shell lei around my neck, took the time to talk with me, and made me feel like I belonged. I couldn't help but tear up. It reminded me so much of what Sandals felt like 15 years ago, the warmth, the authenticity, the love, and the joy of being surrounded by people who genuinely reflect the heart of Jesus. God showed up in a mighty way. The first song alone was confirmation He knows me and my fears and blesses my willingness to walk through them and in these doors. I'm so thankful I didn't let fear win this time. God continues to show me that courage isn't about having no fear, it's about trusting Him enough to take the next step anyway. So much to be grateful for. Giving thanks to Him for it all. The good and the not so good. I know He has a plan. #gratitude #faith #courage #newhopeoahu

Fellowship was great. The welcome and worship both exciting. A Great experience and very…read morewelcoming. Music was great and the message also good. Everyone was welcoming.

A funeral brought us to Anchor Church…read more The drive over from the airport via the H3 was relaxing and beautiful. The views didn't stop here as they've got a nice perch on the slopes of the Koolau looking down to Kaneohe Bay. The facilities are a mix of wooden structures and canvas tents, though a billboard in the open air lanai suggested a new permanent structure is in the fundraising works. The service was held inside a big windowless tent, complete with an HVAC system, sound, lighting and a stage. This looks to be where church services are held as well. A small kitchen supplied legit coffee and teas post service on their breezy patio.

Fellowship Friday…read more.. My mahjong friend, Cecelia, invited me to Anchor Church in Kaneohe. It's located near the Kaneohe District Park, Windward Community College, and the Hawaii State Hospital. Anchor Church has a beautiful campus! The drive up is already scenic with Norfolk pines and other outstanding foliage along the way! The views from the top are amazing! The people were very friendly and welcoming! I signed in, received a name tag and a yarn lei, and was given the schedule for the month and the calendar for 2023. Wow! Very organized! There were many activities to choose from. Luckily, my friend, Cecelia, and I have the same interests and we chose crochet over exercise; and ukulele instead of hula! We listened to the guest speakers from the Honolulu Fire Department - they had excellent information! Their slide show really emphasized their message. The potluck lunch was wonderful - we had to wear face masks while in line for the buffet meal. The servers placed food on our plates - we just told them what we wanted. We didn't touch the serving utensils. Overall, this was an educational experience! If you're available, everyone is welcome! Note: I'll return this Friday for the Valentine's Day crochet lesson!

Attended a early morning service at St Theresa in Kalihi. It is always a good idea to arrive early…read moreso you can get a parking stall. There is street parking but there are many homeless working around and I don't want to worry about my car in church service. The service begins on time and the choir is wonderful to hear. The baptismal pool has gotten smaller than I remember. There are large restrooms on the outside of the church. The grotto outside is beautiful with the saints surrounding Mary. I took a picture below. The Jublilee cross from the Vatican City is at this church and I included pictures below before it leaves Hawaii soon.

Co-Cathedral of St Theresa will need to rethink the folks in charge of the Religious Education and…read moreFaith Formation Programs. I am assuming the position is a volunteer position? Even if it is, it does not excuse the inefficiencies. Doesn't the church want to welcome more Catholic Christian. Attempting to schedule a Baptism in this church has been quite an adventure. I started the process 6+ months before the intended date. Uninformed patrons answering the phone. They will not take the time to understand the questions you're asking. The Contact us Form on the website? No one will respond Send an Email directly to the email listed on the website? No one will respond

Such a cute little church located in the heart of Kalihi!…read more Public services, worship sessions, and support offer seven days a week to the community. Atmosphere is warm and cozy. Very inviting. No judgement or uneasiness felt when I attended a few of their Sunday sermons. I love that they have a space dedicated for kids. Refreshments and candies offered.

This is the 4th church I have attended since becoming a Christian. Everyone is on fire for the…read moreLord! We have all nationalities in attendance. The church has three pastors-Cynthia Louie, Carlos Rodriguez a day Rodney Iaea. Come join us! You won't regret it!

Beyond Grateful to have found this warm, vibrant community! Biblically solid & equally welcoming …read more . . thank you New Hope for renewed life!

I first reviewed New Hope HI Kai (NHHK) Christian Church more than five years ago. It continues to…read morebe my church of choice, and its offerings have never wavered. With the start of COVID-19 in mid-March 2020, the "new normal" for NHHK has changed; however, NHHK has not stopped being a church. COVID-19 has opened new doors and opportunities, as the "new normal" has changed how things are being done. These include: * Sunday sermons, formerly held at Kaiser High cafeteria, are now online. While we miss seeing each other in person each Sunday, we can still listen to our Sr. Pastor, Pat McFall, and chat with church members online at the same time. The online service is convenient, as you can watch it from your living room or wherever you are. The online service continues to reach not only our church members, but also non-church members, and those living outside of HI. Worship songs and sermons are pre-recorded one or two days before Sunday and will be streamed online in the near future. In-person re-gatherings will occur when it is safe to do so. * Small group meetings via in-person or Zoom. Church members are encouraged to join small groups that meet weekly to discuss Biblical scriptures and their applications to one's self, as well as encouragement and support of daily living challenges. * Kokua Center was established, where church members' needs are accommodated by church volunteers. Those who are struggling financially receive much needed groceries and shopping assistance, and widows and the elderly obtaining yard cleaning by abled church men. * Kokua for Koko Marina. NHHK reimbursed its church members a maximum of $50, or up to 50% of the total bill, for purchases of food or items from Koko Marina Shopping Center merchants. This initiative generated $24,000 income in support for the merchants, and in turn, blessed its church members. * Food Drive for the Food Bank. In partnership with Koko Marina Shopping Center, NHHK collected 900 lbs. of food and raised $2,100 in a four-hour period to benefit the local Food Bank. * River of Life. Food and personal hygiene items were collected and delivered to the homeless and those in need. * Long-term care homes. Gifts of stuffed animals, cleaning supplies, personally-made face masks, and clocks were given to Hale Malamalama and Lunalilo Care Home in the HI Kai community. * Meal trains were established for church members who were returning home after surgery in the hospital or having given birth. Church volunteers took turns and donated dinners by signing up one day for a two-week period to assist with meals as the church member was recovering. * Water baptism. Normally held several times a year for the entire church at Maunalua Bay, it is now held on a personal basis in the backyard of a member or one's swimming pool to avoid having large gatherings. * Boxed chocolates for the elderly kupuna. The Women's Ministry had its ministry members personally deliver boxed chocolates with a personal written message card to encourage our kupuna and to provide personal interaction. * LifeChange Training. Leadership training via Zoom in transforming ourselves to living the way God wants us to live by healing the areas of our lives that are hindering us from His intended design. * Pastor Counseling. Whether it be some addiction, domestic violence, unhealthy thinking, or continued walk with Jesus, the pastors are always willing to counsel you without shame, fear, or rejection. * 21 Days of Prayer. Done twice per year, learning how to intentionally seek God daily in prayer to believe in Him to move in powerful ways. * Missions Ministry. Although we can't physically travel to Japan right now, we continue to build relationships with our Christian churches in Japan through training sessions and mutual conversations via Zoom, e-mail, text messages, etc. * Baccalaureate Event. Graduating seniors and youth progressing from certain grades to higher levels of Sunday School are honored, prayed over and encouraged in their walk with God. This year, NHHK partnered with Hope Chapel East Oahu at Niu Valley to hold this event at their church. And the list goes on! There is always something that would be of interest to anyone. Through my involvement with NHHK, I've found this church to be very caring, giving, generous, and loving. NHHK provides a safe place where you are not judged, but are accepted just as you are. It's my church that I am proud of and trust that it is looking out for me in developing my natural gifts in having a purpose in life. Life has many unexpected challenges, and NHHK has taught me how to turn frustration and disappointment into confidence and blessings by having Jesus as the center of my life. Where there's pain, there is joy and abundant life in Christ. NHHK is truly ohana (family), as the church is not a building, but it is the people. A place that you can call home!

This is my home congregation and my family has been blessed by this Church…read more Sunday School for all ages is around 9:30. Nice traditional service at 8:15 & Contemporary at 10:45. Excellent Lutheran school next door associated with the Church. Very warm congregation with lots of fun learning & serving opportunities.

A warm, welcoming, but deeply contemplative parish. We came here one Sunday as visitors and were…read moreso surprised at the beautiful but simple liturgy celebrated in the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo). We could feel the love the congregation have for God and we were treated so kindly as if we were ohana. After Mass, we got to meet the pastor. He is a witty, funny, but very erudite young priest from northern China who spent years studying in Rome. He was amazing and had us laughing with his subtle but hilarious sense of humor! It's was so incredible to meet a young man who grew up in the midst of China's anti-Christian persecution and still held fast to the faith and became a priest despite the danger. We came early so we could participate in the rosary and pre Mass prayers. There is much peace here... so much that we returned on the next day (Labor Day so we had off from work ) for the weekday celebration of the holy sacrifice of the Mass just so we could visit this peaceful church again. We will definitely return again if we find ourselves on that part of Oahu. The history of this parish is quite interesting. Originally a mission church of St Elizabeth's in Aiea in 1942, it moved over to where Holy Family parish is now (next to HNL airport). This new church was finally constructed in 1973 at its present location in Salt Lake. But not before suffering a tremendous setback. In 1972, a few weeks before construction completion, unknown persons committed arson in the middle of the night and burned the new church almost to the ground. Perpetrators were never caught. The local parishioners found the funds to rebuild the church in a different architectural style 14 months later. While the architecture is modern, it is surprisingly not offensive to classical church design. Open and full of light, the church is constructed in a way that allows quiet contemplation and yet still retains the majesty required of a church dedicated to the Almighty ever living and loving Triune God. I especially liked the round stained glass "rose" window depicting the Holy Spirit situated "ad orientum" (facing East) that delivers beautiful diffused light to the altar. Wonderful church, wonderful parishioners, wonderful priest! So glad we came! Mahalo for reading my review. Pax et Bonum.

This is a beautiful place of worship, located in the heart of Salt Lake. There's lots of parking…read morearound the church and if you lucky, there's street parking too. The church is huge and updated, lots of pews to sit on, and I can imagine during mass, it caN get crowded. Unfortunately, I came to attend a funeral service and wake service, the ushers were very warm and greeted us with a smile. The main comfort room is located down a stairway, under the church, where a large multi purpose room is located. The services went well, and after mass, the family hosted a lunch out front of the church. There's a tent and tables for the guest. Again, there is a shopping center just around the corner for everything else. It's a great place to visit and worship.

What a beautiful church. Father Edgar was very welcoming and he even called all the visiting people…read moreto come up for a special blessing.

Attended 0630 weekday Mass here as part of my attempt to visit all the churches in the Diocese of…read moreHonolulu. I enjoyed the liturgy very much, which was celebrated with a small intimate, friendly congregation that seem to radiate joy, peace, and love. The locals immediately spotted me as a stranger and warmly welcomed me and asked where I was from. It was a most pleasant exchange with lovely people that I now consider friends. The priest/celebrant was very erudite, and it being the feast day of St John Chrystostom, one the major doctors of the church, he tied in parts of St John's life with the Gospel reading of the day from St Luke's (the "splinter in the eye" discourse). His homily was very well done. Tucked away in a quiet part of Kalihi Valley (just past the bridge/crossing over Kalihi stream), this church wa founded in the early 19th century by Portuguese immigrants who populated most of the present day Kalihi valley. The original church was located about half a mile away in the current cemetery but now only a marker commemorates the spot. The present church was constructed in 1948-1949 with the first Mass and consecration taking place in 1950. The block architecture supports this fact, as it is very similar in structure and form to Blessed Sacrament church (Pauua Rd) also built in the late 1940s. Aside from the positive experience, the absolute best surprise of all was the discovery of a mauka-sited shrine or as they call it in Europe, a "grotto" filled with holy reminders and statues. This grotto (one parishioner told me) was built by the Portuguese about the time the church was constructed in 1950. It contains a wonderful hiking trail that takes you up to the top of a hillock overlooking Kalihi valley, the Likelike, and the airport. Along the way, there are places to stop and rest if desired but I made it all the way without stopping. The peaceful atmosphere and beauty are amazing and it was refreshing for the soul to just spend a few minutes (well.... maybe I spent a little bit more than a few minutes... time seemed to stand still...) in quiet contemplation and prayer. I cannot express in words how wonderful that short hike and quiet time gazing at rainbows was for setting up the rest of my day for mental success. Highly recommend a visit here not only to attend Mass and give worship to God but also to make a short stop at the grotto. By the way, they allowed me to keep my car parked in the church parking lot while I hiked up the mauka.... mahalo! Since street parking is limited, come early so you can get a good spot (tandem parking only by the way). Next time I will locate the cemetery and try to post photos of the original church site. Mahalo nui loa for reading my review. Pax et Bonum.